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"Structured around each stage of a research project, this step-by-step guide shows you how to import, manage and analyse data in Microsoft Excel. Packed with practical advice and real world examples, it forms an accessible introduction to doing research with Excel for social science students. With a central focus on employability, the book offers more than a methods course refresher - it helps you learn and develop key skills for the workplace. Reassuring, clear and straightforward, the book helps you to: · Feel comfortable in the workplace and professional settings · Reduce anxiety about making the transition from university to work · Hone key research skills, like forming a research question and choosing a research design, for use outside academia Whether you're learning data skills for the first time or translating your statistics knowledge from other software packages, this book will help you complete every step of the research process with confidence and quash your anxiety about using Excel in any setting"--

Several studies, in recent years, have demonstrated what has become known as the 'quantitative deficit' in UK sociology. This deficit is primarily manifested through negative student attitudes towards quantitative methods, a lack of ability in that area and a paucity of quantitative research and publication in the discipline that utilises quantitative methods. While we acknowledge the existence of that deficit, we argue in this article, and present some initial evidence in support of this argument, that the issue is not simply just about a 'crisis of number' but the kind of sociology taught and practised in the United Kingdom. We suggest here that there are two broad categories of sociology that do not necessarily divide along quantitative–qualitative lines, which we term 'analytic' and 'critique'. Much of UK sociology takes a 'critique' approach, which may well be a quite legitimate way to do sociology, but is not a sufficient basis on which quantitative sociology can be done and has implications for the future of the discipline.

SummaryA Guardian Newspaper survey of social workers in the UK published in 2015 suggested that 'The happiest social workers are in Wales'. In exploring why this may be so, the authors undertook an in-depth national online survey in 2017 of all social workers in Wales registered ( n = 5564) as employed at that point and from which some 997 responded. The survey sought a wide field of information about the occupational experience, and this article reports on selected aspects of knowledge, evidence-base, aims, competence and quality as perceived by respondents.FindingsThe workforce, durable, mostly white, aging and female, consider their services of good quality despite insufficiencies in staff capacities and material resources. While most acknowledged the influence on their practice of psycho-social, cognitive and systems paradigms, they also cited as major sources of knowledge, their clients, work experience, colleagues, case-procedures and in-house training. There seemed much less affirmation of evidence-based techniques and relatively little use of social work journals, books and professional magazines once qualified and in practice.ApplicationsThe emphasis by many upon the bureau or department as both 'habitus' and heuristic for much everyday practice raises important questions for how we understand and enhance practitioner knowledge and ensure equivalent social worker competence across the workforce.

Statistical data and evidence-based claims are increasingly central to our everyday lives. Critically examining 'Big Data', this book charts the recent explosion in sources of data, including those precipitated by global developments and technological change. It sets out changes and controversies related to data harvesting and construction, dissemination and data analytics by a range of private, governmental and social organisations in multiple settings. Analysing the power of data to shape political debate, the presentation of ideas to us by the media, and issues surrounding data ownership and access, the authors suggest how data can be used to uncover injustices and to advance social progress